Neil O. Seljestad, 22, service station attendant, saved Kenneth W. Eacrett, 21, service station attendant, from drowning, Montara, California, July 27, 1959. When Eacrett and Seljestad climbed down a steep cliff along the shore of the Pacific Ocean to rocks above the surface of turbulent water, a wave crashing against the cliff caused Eacrett to fall into the surf. Although a good swimmer, he was submerged and carried away from shore by a strong undercurrent. Seljestad ascended the cliff and stopped an automobile driven by a game warden. By then Eacrett had surfaced and swum farther from the shore to escape the undercurrent. The game warden warned Seljestad not to enter the water because it was too cold and rough. Seljestad saw high waves submerge Eacrett several times as he swam 100 feet toward the beach before losing consciousness. Running 500 feet down rocky terrain to the beach, Seljestad waded 15 feet into the surf fully clad except for a shirt. He swam 140 feet and reached Eacrett in water eight feet deep between waves about six feet high. Seljestad secured a hold on Eacrett and, although submerged and tossed about by the waves, towed him 100 feet toward the beach. A larger and more forceful breaker then submerged them, tore Eacrett from the grasp of Seljestad, and carried both 25 feet nearer shore. Seljestad secured footing in chest-deep water, regained a hold on Eacrett, and pulled him 25 feet to the beach, where he administered artificial respiration until police and firemen arrived. Eacrett was revived and removed to a hospital. He recovered. 44825-4325
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